Ankle Conditions

1. Sprain. A soft tissue injury.

2. Fracture. A break in one or more bones of the ankle.

3. Dislocation. The loss of normal Alignment. 

The Chronic Orthopaedic Conditions of the ankle:

1. Ankle Arthritis. In this condition, the Cartilage in the ankle joint wears away, leading to Increasing pain and Reduced range of motion.

2. Chronic Ankle Instability. In this condition, the ankle joint repeatedly ‘gives way’, resulting in Instability and making it difficult to Stand and Walk.

3. Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction. In this condition, the Posterior Tibial Tendon, which supports the Arch of the foot, becomes Damaged or Weakened, leading to flatfoot and resulting pain.

4. Ankle Impingement Syndrome. In this  condition, the ligaments become Compressed during ankle movement, causing pain on certain ankle movements.

5. Sinus Tarsi Syndrome. In this condition, the Sinus Tarsi gets Compressed with movements of the ankle, resulting in pain.

6. Tendinosis. In this condition, the Tendon becomes Degenerated, causing pain and limiting movement.

7. Stress Fractures. In this condition, a type of overuse injury in which Repeated stress on the ankle bones causes small cracks or breaks.

8. Tendinitis. There is inflammation of the tendon, which results in Pain and Swelling .

9. Osteochondral Lesion. In this condition, a piece of Cartilage and Bone become Detached from the Joint surface, resulting in pain.

Symptoms of Chronic Orthopaedic Conditions:

1. Pain, with Movement or at Rest.

2. Swelling and Tenderness

3. Stiffness, decreased range of motion

4. Abnormal Gait, difficulty in walking.

5. Instability, a feeling that the ankle is ‘giving way’.

6. Deformities, such as Flatfoot or an Abnormally high arch.

7. Crepitus, a Grating Sensation in the ankle, which may be felt when moving the joint.

   Diagnosis

   In order to assess Shoulder Pathology properly. A detailed History, Examination and Imaging are required. Generally a X-ray, MRI or Ultrasound are needed to identify the underlying cause.

   Treatment

These symptoms can be Progressive and Worsen over time if the underlying condition is not treated. It is important to see Dr NM van der Berg, an Orthopaedic Surgeon, if you experience any of these symptoms.  He will create a Customized Treatment Plan based on your specific needs as his patient. Treatment options vary depending on the cause and the severity of the condition. It can range from a Steroid Injection into the joint, Oral Medication and Physiotherapy, or Surgery for severe cases.

Some of the Surgeries Dr NM van der Berg performs:

1. Ankle Arthroscopy

2. Ankle Fusion

3. Ligament Repair or Reconstruction

4. Osteotomy 

5. Tendons Transfer

These Surgical procedures can be used to treat a variety of Chronic and Acute conditions in the ankle and are performed by an Orthopedic Surgeon. The Specific surgical approach will Depend on the underlying cause of the Condition and the Extent of the damage.

The benefits of seeing Dr NM van der Berg, an orthopaedic surgeon early are:

Prompt diagnosis and treatment 

1.  Improves recovery time
2. Preserves Joint Function
3. Prevents complications such as Osteoarthritis
4. Prevents Abnormal Gait 
5.  Improves Outcome

It is important to see Dr NM van der Berg, an Orthopaedic Surgeon, if you are experiencing Persistent or Severe pain in the ankle, as this may indicate a more Serious underlying condition that requires prompt Evaluation and Treatment. These conditions can worsen over time as a result of Repeated stress, Overuse, or Injury and can lead to Long-Term pain, Instability, and Limited Mobility if left untreated. Don’t compromise in the quality of your life.